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Symptom Checker

Weakness and Fatigue in Children

Fatigue means a child has less energy than usual. Weakness means a muscle or part of the body cannot work as well as it normally does.

Poor sleep, viral illness, stress, dehydration, anemia and nutrition problems can cause fatigue. Muscle, nerve and other medical conditions can cause true weakness.

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AAP Guide to Weakness and Fatigue in Children

The AAP guide below explains common causes of fatigue and weakness and when your child needs medical care.

AAP Symptom CheckerWeakness and fatigue

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Symptom CheckerWeakness and fatigue New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Fatigue persists or interferes with school, play or normal activity.
  • Your child has true muscle weakness.
  • Fatigue comes with weight loss, fever, pallor, bruising or other unexplained symptoms.
  • Symptoms are getting worse instead of improving.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child develops sudden weakness on one side of the body.
  • Your child cannot walk, becomes confused or is very difficult to wake.
  • Your child has severe breathing trouble or another life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms